The Inaugural Novel Night

We’re excited to introduce you to a brand-new reading series in the Malvern calendar: Novel Night. Held on the second Thursday of each month, Novel Night shines a spotlight on all things prose—because, as our curmudgeon-in-chief Dr. Joe says in his introductory remarks, writing a novel is hard work and all that dedication deserves to be celebrated (he may also have noted that, ahem, “anybody can write a poem…”).

Here’s how it works: two published novelists read from their books and take questions from the audience, followed by “Book Talk,” in which an intrepid Malvern staff member introduces us to one of their favorite prose titles. And we finish up with an open mic for writers who’d like to read for 4-5 minutes from their unpublished short stories or novels (sign up on the night if you’re interested). Also worth noting: there are snacks!

Joe and Alan

We kicked things off in fine style last Thursday with two talented novelists: B. Alan Bourgeois (above right) read from his spiritual thriller Extinguishing the Light and Joe Milazzo (above left) read from his fiercely imaginative debut novel, Crepuscule w/ Nellie. Malvern’s manager Becky Garcia then introduced us to the brilliant and challenging Vacation by Deb Olin Unferth and explained why reading Unferth is a lot like watching an episode of Seinfeld. And last but not least, the entertaining Ron Jaeger became our very first Novel Night open mic-er!

Check out the footage below, and be sure to join us on February 12th for the second installment of Malvern Books’ Novel Night…